Taking a Step Back

This picture recently resurfaced on Facebook (thanks Kari) which is a funny picture that was taken when I was studying abroad in Australia looking like a homeless person.  I won't go into the details of the story, but that picture sparked some memories of a few things I actually did go without: 

1. Car - funny how you just take things for granted like driving to the grocery store or driving to a friends house.  Some of my best memories were walking to the grocery store (can't remember what they called it over there...maybe someone can remind me) and then carrying home all my groceries in a backpack or using public transportation (Bender's Bus :) )

2. Cell Phone - ahhhh...countless hours spent in a phone booth talking with my "boyfriend" aka "the boy".  Not to mention the time difference!

3. Laptop - long hours spent in a computer lab, sometimes doing homework, but most of the time chatting with friends on, ummmm what was that MSN! ha!

4. Income - this is kind of foggy, but I am not sure how I lived for 5 months in Australia with no steady income.  I do remember how broke I was when I came home though!

These things may seem silly, but one of the main lessons I learned about going without those things is that sometimes taking a step back and going without those things can actually spark a little creativity and resourcefulness!  This among other reasons is why my husband and I have decided to go the summer without cable TV at our home.  It is such a simple thing, but already I have noticed my change in pattern! 

More time to spend with that book I have been meaning to read The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest.  Rediscovering my singing talent...hahah cough cough  Karaoke Revolution Glee: Volume 2.  Finding more time to work on my gardening, working out and hopefully soon getting back to my craft room.

This should be an interesting summer, but feel free to send your story about taking a step back and how it has changed your life!

Julie